Chrysa Robertson Dishes on Her Role as Exorcist and What It Takes To Be a Woman Chef

Chrysa with her big stick, which says, "all complaints will be handled quickly, calmly and with severity"

Trend you wish would go away: Deconstucted cuisine. You know, a tiny bit of several items all over a plate. Seems you need instructions to eat it.

Trend you like: I'm not a big fan of trends. Trends start out as unique good ideas, then get bastardized as everyone tries to put their spin on it.

Buzzword you wish would go away: Gluten-free.

People think of you as a hard ass. Is that your persona? Or is that really you?:
Chef Pete Deruvo (of Davanti Enoteca) used to work for me, and he recently said that I have "broken more spirits than an exorcism." SO true! And my Wonder Woman cook Sacha Levine says I sometimes remind her of Carrie at the prom. Now THAT'S funny! Seriously, I am pure marshmallow inside. I have always been a bit insecure and defensive. I have pretty strong opinions. I expect a lot from my crew. I don't suffer fools. I want things to go perfectly, and when they don't, I sometimes take my frustration out on my employees. I think I'm a lot better than I used to be, but my past behavior is a real regret of mine. As my grandmother used to say, "You get more bees with honey than with vinegar."

Myth or reality: women have to be super-tough to be a chef: I don't think you need to be Wonder Woman. Do the work, know your shit, don't play games, and work and act like you deserve respect. It's a tough biz. Don't expect any special treatment. Stand up for your rights . . . and this coming from me, a big crybaby at times!!